SOUTHINGTON School union files labor charge

SOUTHINGTON -- The union representing the school district's classified employees has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the district.
The Ohio Association of Public School Employees, which represents the district's bus drivers, cafeteria workers, janitors and secretaries, filed the charge with the State Employment Relations Board.
The workers' contract expected June 30, 2001.
Other filings
During negotiations with the district, the union filed three unfair labor practice charges, contending the district's conduct violated the law during bargaining. The state board found probable cause for two of the charges and directed the parties to enter mediation.
The parties agreed last February to continue mediation efforts for at least two mediation sessions. They met in March and April, and the union submitted its proposals to the district.
On June 30, the district implemented a contract. The union contends the district didn't notify the union of its last best offer before implementing the contract.
The union contends in its complaint that the district hasn't bargained in good faith.
Superintendent William Pfahler said the two-year contract, which calls for a 2.5 percent increase this year and a 4 percent increase next year, was the district's last best offer made in May. It's the same percentages called for in the teachers' contract.
"It will be taken through SERB and have to be answered there," Pfahler said of the complaint.